HHS

Hamilton, ON – On Dec. 11, 2016 Dr. Frank Baillie, veteran trauma surgeon at Hamilton Health Sciences will be presented with the prestigious Meritorious Service Decoration (Civil Division) by Canada’s Governor General, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston for his work in establishing CritiCall, an emergency resource service for Ontario physicians caring for critically ill patients.

The Meritorious Service Decorations are separated into military and civil divisions, with two levels each: a cross and a medal. Created in 1991, the Civil Division recognizes individuals who have performed an exceptional deed or activity that brought honour to their community or to Canada.

CritiCall is, in essence, a call centre that supports physicians in Ontario hospitals who are caring for urgent and emergent patients who require access to expertise or resources beyond what their hospital can provide. Dr. Baillie led the establishment of the service in the early 80’s, when hospital services were less integrated across regions, causing delays for community-based physicians and centres in accessing specialized resources for their critically ill patients.

“This whole system was resolved because of CritiCall,” says Dr. Baillie. “CritiCall speeds up the process to allow quicker access to assistance, advice and access to beds for critically ill patients.”

Dr. Baillie is among 37 other individuals from across Canada who will receive a Meritorious Service Decoration in the Civil category at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Friday.

“It’s been a great honour to be given this award, and to also attract recognition of the work that’s been done here at Hamilton Health Sciences,” says Dr. Baillie. “Hamilton has been, and continues to be, a leader in various access of healthcare system development as well as day-to-day patient care.”

Although Dr. Baillie stepped away from his role at CritiCall in 2008, the service continues to grow. In 2014/15, CritiCall facilitated 30,549 patient cases.

“The program continues to grow and evolve today in the direction consistent with Dr. Baillie’s vision that took shape more than 30 years ago,” says Donna Thompson, executive director of CritiCall Ontario. “The legacy he created in CritiCall Ontario is one of which Ontario’s healthcare system should be very proud.”

Click here to watch a video featuring Dr. Baillie on CritiCall, and his feelings on receiving a Governor General’s award.

For more information about the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Decoration awards and a full list of recipients, click here.